News

12/02/2019

Molkerei MEGGLE works meeting

The Wirtshaus Kalteneck restaurant was the venue for an incredibly harmonious works meeting of Molkerei MEGGLE. All the speakers had positive things to report and the company is showing some very pleasing developments. Major investments are being made in the Wasserburg plant to ensure the site is fit for the future. And another important event in the 2019 financial year was the establishment of the Toni-Meggle-Stiftung (Toni Meggle Foundation).

"We are on a great path." That is how Toni Meggle, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, explained the welcome developments within the company. He began his report by praising the fantastic loyalty of the workforce. When the foundation was established in the autumn of 2019, it was a ground-breaking move for the MEGGLE Group. "It safeguards the company's future and its independence. Your jobs are secure and MEGGLE is in a stronger position going forward," stressed Toni Meggle, who is also Chairman of the foundation's Board of Directors. His words and this particular promise were greeted by a huge round of applause from the staff.

Robert Janjanin, Chairman of the Works Council, reminded the audience in his speech that "by establishing this foundation, the Meggle family has kept its word. We were very grateful that, when the announcement was made in October, it was given to the employees face to face." Robert Janjanin highlighted that, at almost 14 years, the length of time staff stay with MEGGLE is well above average: "We do not take that for granted, and it's something of which we can be proud."

Just as he did in 2018, Matthias Oettel, Chairman of the Board, took a look back at the past few months. But the first thing he did was acknowledge the hard work of the MEGGLE workforce: "You have all worked with commitment, determination and a positive attitude to achieve lots of great things for our company MEGGLE. Thank you so much for everything!"

Considerable growth could be seen in Consumer Products (CP). "Butter market share has increased by more than 60%," said a delighted Matthias Oettel. This company division achieved its best results in years, with MEGGLE butter also grabbing the top spot in a study of quality conducted by Focus magazine. Matthias Oettel highlighted the fantastic way in which the subsidiaries have been developing too: "Our CP sites in Eastern Europe have become vital pillars of our organisation," with the MEGGLE companies in Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia showing particularly strong growth.

Functional Products (FP) made a significant contribution to MEGGLE's success once again in this financial year. However, the challenging market situation presented by punitive US tariffs, for example, is making itself felt in this company division. MEGGLE Japan, the most easterly site, posted incredibly strong results for 2019. The Chairman of the Board announced that MEGGLE will continue to grow in Asia and will open a representative office in India next year as well.

"We are going to invest more than 40 million euros in our plant in Wasserburg. That will secure our future," explained Matthias Oettel. New production lines will be put into operation in the butter dairy and there are plans afoot for the FP division too, including a new spray tower. He asked the workforce to renew its pledge to continue using resources carefully and responsibly, and encouraged everyone within the MEGGLE Group to collaborate across national borders.

Manuel Halbmeier, Secretary of the Gewerkschaft Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten (the Food, Beverages and Catering Union, or NGG), praised the teamwork and peaceful atmosphere in the company, which he said led to increased productivity: "If I'm asked to name a positive example of a business operating in the Bavarian dairy industry, my answer is often MEGGLE."

Finally, Toni and Marina Meggle honoured those employees celebrating a big anniversary with MEGGLE this year. Young people who had successfully completed their professional training were also recognised, and farewells were said to long-serving staff entering their well-earned retirement. Management then treated the assembled MEGGLE workforce to dinner at the Kalteneck.

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